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Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden: Planting and Tending Small Fruit Trees and Berries in Gardens and Containers
Forget the farmer’s market. Grow your own delicious, organic apples, figs, peaches, plums, strawberries, blackberries, citrus fruits, and more with Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden . No green thumb required.
Even beginners become successful fruit "farmers" with the techniques and advice offered by author Christy Wilhelmi, the force behind the popular gardening website, Gardenerd. Selecting the best small-scale fruit trees, bushes, vines, and plants for your climate, siting them properly, and pruning your compact trees for health and productivity are some of the many topics covered in the pages of this bible of small-space fruit growing .
You’ll also discover how With modern, dwarf varieties , and help from Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden , a healthy, high-yielding garden filled with fruit-producing plants is possible—even in the smallest of yards.
Even beginners become successful fruit "farmers" with the techniques and advice offered by author Christy Wilhelmi, the force behind the popular gardening website, Gardenerd. Selecting the best small-scale fruit trees, bushes, vines, and plants for your climate, siting them properly, and pruning your compact trees for health and productivity are some of the many topics covered in the pages of this bible of small-space fruit growing .
You’ll also discover how With modern, dwarf varieties , and help from Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden , a healthy, high-yielding garden filled with fruit-producing plants is possible—even in the smallest of yards.
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2021
About the author
Christy Wilhelmi
9 books69 followersChristy Wilhelmi empowers people to grow their own food, to be more self-reliant, and to reduce pollution and waste, one garden at a time.
Christy is founder of Gardenerd, the ultimate resource for garden nerds, where she publishes newsletters, her popular blog, and podcasts. She also specializes in small-space, organic vegetable garden design and consulting. She holds regular organic gardening classes in California, and was a board member of Ocean View Farms Organic Community Garden in Mar Vista, California for over 20 years. Between 50-70 percent of her family's produce comes from her garden of less than 300 square feet.
She is author of Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden (Cool Springs Press); High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening (the updated version of Gardening for Geeks (Fox Chapel)); 400+ Tips for Organic Gardening Success: A Decade of Tricks, Tools, Recipes, and Resources from Gardenerd.com (Amazon Kindle); and her debut novel, Garden Variety (William Morrow). The sequel to Garden Variety is coming in Spring 2026.
Christy is founder of Gardenerd, the ultimate resource for garden nerds, where she publishes newsletters, her popular blog, and podcasts. She also specializes in small-space, organic vegetable garden design and consulting. She holds regular organic gardening classes in California, and was a board member of Ocean View Farms Organic Community Garden in Mar Vista, California for over 20 years. Between 50-70 percent of her family's produce comes from her garden of less than 300 square feet.
She is author of Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden (Cool Springs Press); High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening (the updated version of Gardening for Geeks (Fox Chapel)); 400+ Tips for Organic Gardening Success: A Decade of Tricks, Tools, Recipes, and Resources from Gardenerd.com (Amazon Kindle); and her debut novel, Garden Variety (William Morrow). The sequel to Garden Variety is coming in Spring 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 7, 2021
I wasn't a big fan of this book. I love gardening and love my fruits so I was hoping for lots of inspiration but it fell flat for me. There's lots of detailed information about things like grafting, planting, pest control and such, but I was hoping for way more about the fruits themselves and far more variety of fruits. Also, I was bothered by her pest advice. She tells you not to poison garden pests like mice and squirrels only because it could poison predatory animals up the food chain like cats, and she says things like "since some states and provinces have laws against trapping pests out of season, or killing squirrels and raccoons, we'll focus on humane options here." The only reason she's not suggesting killing squirrels and raccoons is because it's illegal in some places? Ew. And then she recommends trapping and releasing squirrels to another part of the city. What if they have babies? Just no. Leave your squirrels alone or provide them with something else. My yard has elderberry shrubs, a cherry tree, strawberries, rhubarb, bush cherries, red raspberries, black raspberries and other fruits (not even getting into the veggies and other edibles), and while I have often sent my boys outside some summer days to scare pesky robins from the cherry tree (reflective scare tape works best for us there), I have never felt the need to trap or poison the squirrels that visit our yard. And then she recommends killing animals like mice and voles that aren't legally protected with kill traps. Wildlife deserves a place outside. Besides that, I also just didn't really get any new information or the sense of fun enthusiasm or inspiration that I often get from gardening books.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
March 19, 2021
Gardening at home is popular now and what better way for many people with limited garden space than to grow your fruit in containers on your patio? Yes, you can grow fruit trees in containers! This book is rich with beautiful photographs showing the possibilities of growing your own food right in your backyard. The author talks about adapting the correct fruit for your climate, which is always a concern for gardeners across the country. Design plans are featured for all types of spaces and fruit choices. Pruning fruit trees to adapt to your backyard garden is covered along with pest management and harvesting your fruit. This comprehensive guide will add information to the experienced gardener and also aid the beginning gardener who would like to try out their own mini fruit garden.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2022
- very-dwarf or miniature trees grow between 15-30% of standard height and may be hard to find. by comparison dwarf trees grow 30-50% or 8-10 feet. semi-dawrf grow 50-75% or 12-15 feet.
-don't be shy about removing the rootball from the pot to inspect it at the nursery for circling or girdled roots.
-fabric pots and slatted containers help keep container trees and shrubs happy through air pruning. air pruning occurs when roots are exposed to oxygen. the root tips dry and stop growing. that sounds like a bad thing, but it actually triggers more root development without overgrowing the pot. you may need to water more often but your trees will self-prune their roots and stay content in their pots.
-chill hours are defined as the annual number of hours when the temperatures are below 45`F (7.2`C). deciduous trees will not produce fruit (or will produce very few) if they don't first go through a dormancy period where their requirement for chill hours is met.
-the apple seed inside that fruit has a genetic past. it contains the history of all the genetic material that came in contact with that particular flower during its bloom. bees and other pollinators traffic pollen from flower to flower without regard for which cultivar it is. therefore, that seed contains genetic material from other varieties or even other members of the same plant family. if you try to plant that seed and grow a new tree from it, the result will be different from the mother fruit. seeds inside fruits are wildcards that don't grow true to type. only grafting produces true to type genetic identity.
-talks about multi-fruit trees with two or more types of fruits in the same family grafted to the trunk of a single tree. allows mini fruit gardeners to enjoy more than one variety in the space of one tree. take care to label the branches/scions well, especially during pruning.
-talks about fancy tools for grafting that cut the perfect angle on both the scion and host branch so they slide together like a snug fitting puzzle piece when joined.
-suggests installing a 2-3 foot deep root barrier around canes like raspberries and blackberries and other brambles that spread underground, to help keep them contained.
-primocanes are first year canes, floricanes are second year canes. typically brambles grow vegetation the first year, and fruit on the second year canes, floricanes, which then die off at the end of the second season. some varieties of brambles fruit on both. fall bearing raspberries fruit on primocanes in fall, then the next year they become floricanes and they are summer bearing.
-fertilizing raspberries avoid too much nitrogen which will trigger ample leafy growth but no fruit. use an organic berry fertilizer or one for acid loving plants with higher levels of phosphorus. apply fertilizer in winter or early spring before fruit sets. avoid applying fertilizer after mid summer.
-blueberries apply acid-loving berry fertilizer every 6 weeks throughout the season, stopping at midsummer.
-suggests acidifying your soil by watering with distilled vinegar every two months. add 4 tbsp (60ml) to 2 gallons water and drench each plant.
-strawberries need well amended soil so add plenty of compost and worm castings when planting. mix in berry fertilizer and water with kelp emulsion. strawberries are considered heavy feeders.feed your plants as they begin to flower and set fruit. add berry fertilizer once a month after testing for nutrient levels.
-once the 'daughter' or 'runner' is rooted, cut the cord from the mother plant and trim away the extra length.
-says you can 'revitalize' strawberry plants after they stop producing. dig up the entire strawberry plant including the rootball and some soil around it and set aside. add a 1-2" layer of compost to the existing soil and scratch it in with your fingers. apply fruit and berry fertilizer and work it into the soil. then replant. water with diluted kelp emulsion to ease transplant shock and encourage root development.
-nitrogen is responsible for green leafy growth. phosphorus helps plants flower and set fruit and develop strong roots. potassium boosts a plants overall vigor and disease resistance and helps with fruiting and flowering as well.
-wait until after the june drop to thin fruit trees.
-feed your pear trees in early spring before they start to leaf out. use a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer mixed with compost and pay attention to nitrogen levels. pears are a goldilocks fruit; they do not want too much, nor to little nitrogen.
-sanitize pruning sheers between cuts to keep disease from spreading. fill a spray bottle with straight alcohol during pruning season. spray both sides of your blades between cuts.
-grasshoppers are susceptible to a protozoan called nosema locustae and to a fungus called entomophthora grylli that infect the young and turn them belly up. organic applications for nosema locustae are available to treat an area to eradicate grasshoppers in the early stages. older grasshoppers are more resistant to the eg fungus, so try to apply it when you first spot them in the garden. hang suet cakes in the area to attract kestrels and other birds that eat grasshoppers.
-bacterial applications such as milky disease/milky spore (paenibacillus popiliae) or BT (bacillus thuringienesis work to some degree on japanese beetles. the grubs must consume the bacteria in order for it to work, so several applications during the season may be needed. best time to apply is in the fall when the grubs are feeding on roots before hibernation.
-for voles, use baits such as sunflower seeds or small sized nuts, bread and butter, or oatmeal mixed with a nut butter.
-don't be shy about removing the rootball from the pot to inspect it at the nursery for circling or girdled roots.
-fabric pots and slatted containers help keep container trees and shrubs happy through air pruning. air pruning occurs when roots are exposed to oxygen. the root tips dry and stop growing. that sounds like a bad thing, but it actually triggers more root development without overgrowing the pot. you may need to water more often but your trees will self-prune their roots and stay content in their pots.
-chill hours are defined as the annual number of hours when the temperatures are below 45`F (7.2`C). deciduous trees will not produce fruit (or will produce very few) if they don't first go through a dormancy period where their requirement for chill hours is met.
-the apple seed inside that fruit has a genetic past. it contains the history of all the genetic material that came in contact with that particular flower during its bloom. bees and other pollinators traffic pollen from flower to flower without regard for which cultivar it is. therefore, that seed contains genetic material from other varieties or even other members of the same plant family. if you try to plant that seed and grow a new tree from it, the result will be different from the mother fruit. seeds inside fruits are wildcards that don't grow true to type. only grafting produces true to type genetic identity.
-talks about multi-fruit trees with two or more types of fruits in the same family grafted to the trunk of a single tree. allows mini fruit gardeners to enjoy more than one variety in the space of one tree. take care to label the branches/scions well, especially during pruning.
-talks about fancy tools for grafting that cut the perfect angle on both the scion and host branch so they slide together like a snug fitting puzzle piece when joined.
-suggests installing a 2-3 foot deep root barrier around canes like raspberries and blackberries and other brambles that spread underground, to help keep them contained.
-primocanes are first year canes, floricanes are second year canes. typically brambles grow vegetation the first year, and fruit on the second year canes, floricanes, which then die off at the end of the second season. some varieties of brambles fruit on both. fall bearing raspberries fruit on primocanes in fall, then the next year they become floricanes and they are summer bearing.
-fertilizing raspberries avoid too much nitrogen which will trigger ample leafy growth but no fruit. use an organic berry fertilizer or one for acid loving plants with higher levels of phosphorus. apply fertilizer in winter or early spring before fruit sets. avoid applying fertilizer after mid summer.
-blueberries apply acid-loving berry fertilizer every 6 weeks throughout the season, stopping at midsummer.
-suggests acidifying your soil by watering with distilled vinegar every two months. add 4 tbsp (60ml) to 2 gallons water and drench each plant.
-strawberries need well amended soil so add plenty of compost and worm castings when planting. mix in berry fertilizer and water with kelp emulsion. strawberries are considered heavy feeders.feed your plants as they begin to flower and set fruit. add berry fertilizer once a month after testing for nutrient levels.
-once the 'daughter' or 'runner' is rooted, cut the cord from the mother plant and trim away the extra length.
-says you can 'revitalize' strawberry plants after they stop producing. dig up the entire strawberry plant including the rootball and some soil around it and set aside. add a 1-2" layer of compost to the existing soil and scratch it in with your fingers. apply fruit and berry fertilizer and work it into the soil. then replant. water with diluted kelp emulsion to ease transplant shock and encourage root development.
-nitrogen is responsible for green leafy growth. phosphorus helps plants flower and set fruit and develop strong roots. potassium boosts a plants overall vigor and disease resistance and helps with fruiting and flowering as well.
-wait until after the june drop to thin fruit trees.
-feed your pear trees in early spring before they start to leaf out. use a balanced organic fruit tree fertilizer mixed with compost and pay attention to nitrogen levels. pears are a goldilocks fruit; they do not want too much, nor to little nitrogen.
-sanitize pruning sheers between cuts to keep disease from spreading. fill a spray bottle with straight alcohol during pruning season. spray both sides of your blades between cuts.
-grasshoppers are susceptible to a protozoan called nosema locustae and to a fungus called entomophthora grylli that infect the young and turn them belly up. organic applications for nosema locustae are available to treat an area to eradicate grasshoppers in the early stages. older grasshoppers are more resistant to the eg fungus, so try to apply it when you first spot them in the garden. hang suet cakes in the area to attract kestrels and other birds that eat grasshoppers.
-bacterial applications such as milky disease/milky spore (paenibacillus popiliae) or BT (bacillus thuringienesis work to some degree on japanese beetles. the grubs must consume the bacteria in order for it to work, so several applications during the season may be needed. best time to apply is in the fall when the grubs are feeding on roots before hibernation.
-for voles, use baits such as sunflower seeds or small sized nuts, bread and butter, or oatmeal mixed with a nut butter.
March 9, 2021
This is the best book for a beginner that wants to grow their own mini fruit garden. The real pictures allow you to see all of the things that the author is talking about. You find out what you need, what it will look like, and much more. It gives you the exact utensils that you need for each part of making it. The best part is that it shows you what the fruit will look like at the correct time to pick them to eat. Again, this is the book to read when you want to know all about growing your own mini fruit garden.
February 7, 2021
Its a very helpfull book when you want to start a fruit garden. Everything is explained very well and its easy to follow all the steps. Cant wait to try them out!
March 18, 2021
This is a helpful book for when you want a fruit garden in a small space or even in containers. I found the information on compost, pruning and managing pest and disease most helpful. I used to have blackberries, strawberries, and currants, but I’ve moved to a different climate with different soil, and I’ve struggled a bit growing the fruits and vegetables I enjoy. I’m looking forward to having berry bushes again with the help of the tips found in this book.
March 17, 2021
I love fruits and always dreamed of having a fruit garden in my backyard. Rather a house amongst all my fruit trees. That's the ultimate dream.
This book was very informative. It starts out how you should plan and picture your garden. Where each type of tree should be placed based on sun exposure. I appreciated that so much! It also talks about which type of tree you should have in your region. I'm sometimes too ambitious and dream of having a mango tree in the mid west (is it possible? not confident).
There's mention about choosing dwarf trees if you don't have the space for a 30 foot tree and how to plant them in a pot. Also, some hard decisions to make in order to yield better fruits... IN THE FUTURE. Not an instant gratification, this step is probably going to be the hardest!!
There's also a section about berries. YES!!
Also, there's a method called espalier that is super interesting. A FRUIT TREE THAT GROWS AGAINST THE WALL??
So excited to make my own Mini fruit garden!
Thank you #Negalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup – Cool Springs Press for the E-Arc! I specifically went looking for this kind of book.
Also, The pictures were GORGEOUS!!
I feel like my fruit garden dreams can come true!
This book was very informative. It starts out how you should plan and picture your garden. Where each type of tree should be placed based on sun exposure. I appreciated that so much! It also talks about which type of tree you should have in your region. I'm sometimes too ambitious and dream of having a mango tree in the mid west (is it possible? not confident).
There's mention about choosing dwarf trees if you don't have the space for a 30 foot tree and how to plant them in a pot. Also, some hard decisions to make in order to yield better fruits... IN THE FUTURE. Not an instant gratification, this step is probably going to be the hardest!!
There's also a section about berries. YES!!
Also, there's a method called espalier that is super interesting. A FRUIT TREE THAT GROWS AGAINST THE WALL??
So excited to make my own Mini fruit garden!
Thank you #Negalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup – Cool Springs Press for the E-Arc! I specifically went looking for this kind of book.
Also, The pictures were GORGEOUS!!
I feel like my fruit garden dreams can come true!
March 29, 2021
I am always trying to fit a few more plants into my outdoor landscape. Fruit trees are a serious weakness of mine and just the thought of having my own miniature orchard slash fruit haven is just heavenish-life goals for me!
The author provides lots of detailed information about things like grafting, planting, pest control for your budding fruit garden with special emphasis on working in smaller spaces, or how to design your space using the most efficient ways to plan the space out. The author is extremely knowledgeable and the information is presented in such a way that all levels of gardening experience level can learn a thing or two.
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden covers site preparation and design, container gardening info, planning, varieties with emphasis on dwarf varieties, and propagation through grafting (with clearly written and very illustrated techniques). The author also provides information of storage via canning of fruits and berries. The remainder provides necessary resources, plant maintenance via trimming and pruning, as well as pest and disease control.
I absolutely loved the ideas and information in this book and cannot wait to start scoping out yummy dwarf fruit varieties at my home and garden center! Highly recommend.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The author provides lots of detailed information about things like grafting, planting, pest control for your budding fruit garden with special emphasis on working in smaller spaces, or how to design your space using the most efficient ways to plan the space out. The author is extremely knowledgeable and the information is presented in such a way that all levels of gardening experience level can learn a thing or two.
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden covers site preparation and design, container gardening info, planning, varieties with emphasis on dwarf varieties, and propagation through grafting (with clearly written and very illustrated techniques). The author also provides information of storage via canning of fruits and berries. The remainder provides necessary resources, plant maintenance via trimming and pruning, as well as pest and disease control.
I absolutely loved the ideas and information in this book and cannot wait to start scoping out yummy dwarf fruit varieties at my home and garden center! Highly recommend.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
March 28, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden is a general guide to cultivating fruit written by Christy Wilhelmi. Due out 20th April 2021 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a well written general book aimed at gardeners who would like to implement fruits into their garden routines with special emphasis in smaller spaces or using the available space in the most efficient ways. The information is presented in a logical and accessible way and there are good takeaways for readers no matter what their level of experience. The author's introductory chapters cover siting, containers, planning, variety selection, and culture. The chapter on grafting is clearly written and very well illustrated. There is an entire chapter devoted to soft/caning fruits and berries. The rest of the book is rounded out with info on maintenance, trimming & pruning, and pest & disease control.
It's very well illustrated and beautifully and clearly photographed throughout. Appendices include a serviceable overview of rootstock varieties for grafting, along with stockists and online resources, followed by a cross-referenced index.
The author is knowledgeable and writes well on the subject. Not all of the concrete advice presented in any given book will be 100% applicable or desirable for every reader. It's the same with this one. I disagree with the advocacy for kill traps for rodent pests, but in general this is a solidly information dense and well presented book on fruit gardening in limited spaces. I don't fuss much about my own fruit trees and cane fruits and subsequently share the bigger portion with my feathered and furred "neighbors" and I'm glad to pay them for the wonder and joy they bring me. Other readers will have different needs and expectations.
Five stars. Very well done book. This would make a good selection for library acquisition, gardening groups, community garden libraries, smallholders, and the like.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden is a general guide to cultivating fruit written by Christy Wilhelmi. Due out 20th April 2021 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is a well written general book aimed at gardeners who would like to implement fruits into their garden routines with special emphasis in smaller spaces or using the available space in the most efficient ways. The information is presented in a logical and accessible way and there are good takeaways for readers no matter what their level of experience. The author's introductory chapters cover siting, containers, planning, variety selection, and culture. The chapter on grafting is clearly written and very well illustrated. There is an entire chapter devoted to soft/caning fruits and berries. The rest of the book is rounded out with info on maintenance, trimming & pruning, and pest & disease control.
It's very well illustrated and beautifully and clearly photographed throughout. Appendices include a serviceable overview of rootstock varieties for grafting, along with stockists and online resources, followed by a cross-referenced index.
The author is knowledgeable and writes well on the subject. Not all of the concrete advice presented in any given book will be 100% applicable or desirable for every reader. It's the same with this one. I disagree with the advocacy for kill traps for rodent pests, but in general this is a solidly information dense and well presented book on fruit gardening in limited spaces. I don't fuss much about my own fruit trees and cane fruits and subsequently share the bigger portion with my feathered and furred "neighbors" and I'm glad to pay them for the wonder and joy they bring me. Other readers will have different needs and expectations.
Five stars. Very well done book. This would make a good selection for library acquisition, gardening groups, community garden libraries, smallholders, and the like.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 8, 2021
Whenever I pick up a gardening book, I feel trepidation, as I wonder if the gardening tips within will be appropriate for my Northern climate. Okay, maybe Northern is a strong word, but as a Canadian living in zone 4, I am not the intended reader of many a garden book. I am happy to report that the tips contained in "Grow You Own Mini Fruit Garden" are not only applicable to colder climates, but actually really helpful! Since it includes tips for both in-ground and container planting, many of the more tropical plants can be planted in a cold region, as long as the container planting recommendations are followed. It even has the Celsius to Fahrenheit conversions of all temperatures, which is always thoughtful and appreciated!
From how to prep your soil and choose better cultivars for you to reaping the rewards, this book offers a plethora of tips on how to adapt fruit cultivation to smaller urban or suburban spaces. There's even a whole section on basic pruning tips, which, considering how complex that subject is, was a nice surprise. The images also have a good balance of both useful and pretty, which is great! Nestled between aesthetic photographs of strawberries dangling off the plant are less pretty pictures of roots, crowns, and dead stems, as well as diagrams, which is infinitely more helpful than a description alone.
I've been doing a truly ungodly amount of research in planning for my own garden this summer, and this book has been a huge help. My favorite thing about this book is that it answers a few questions even my thickest, most in-depth textbooks didn't cover! It provides a good range of knowledge, from explaining basic terms, to step-by-step instructions for techniques, to more in-depth theory. It may be a bit basic for the more adept gardeners, but the explanations are so good that even the most knowledgeable fruit cultivator might learn a thing or two.
My only criticism would be that it is missing a few points on overwintering more fragile plants in colder climates. That is something very specific that I don't necessarily expect to read about in an average gardening book, but it would have been nice to expand on the subject a little.
All in all, an excellent book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in growing their own fruit in an urban context!
From how to prep your soil and choose better cultivars for you to reaping the rewards, this book offers a plethora of tips on how to adapt fruit cultivation to smaller urban or suburban spaces. There's even a whole section on basic pruning tips, which, considering how complex that subject is, was a nice surprise. The images also have a good balance of both useful and pretty, which is great! Nestled between aesthetic photographs of strawberries dangling off the plant are less pretty pictures of roots, crowns, and dead stems, as well as diagrams, which is infinitely more helpful than a description alone.
I've been doing a truly ungodly amount of research in planning for my own garden this summer, and this book has been a huge help. My favorite thing about this book is that it answers a few questions even my thickest, most in-depth textbooks didn't cover! It provides a good range of knowledge, from explaining basic terms, to step-by-step instructions for techniques, to more in-depth theory. It may be a bit basic for the more adept gardeners, but the explanations are so good that even the most knowledgeable fruit cultivator might learn a thing or two.
My only criticism would be that it is missing a few points on overwintering more fragile plants in colder climates. That is something very specific that I don't necessarily expect to read about in an average gardening book, but it would have been nice to expand on the subject a little.
All in all, an excellent book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in growing their own fruit in an urban context!
February 6, 2021
From mouthwatering photographs to detailed instructions to fun fruits, this inspiring makes me itch to plunge my hands into gorgeous earthy soil (currently -36C where I am). You will discover a vast array of instructions from the very beginning including choosing where your plants will go (and there are options, even for balconies), materials of containers if applicable (terra cotta, plastic, ceramic...) and soil preparation. Thankfully there are container and in-ground options. The point is, there is something for every gardening zone here, every ability, from vertical vines on a fence to shrubs and trees in the ground.
Learn how to plant, water, prune and harvest a plethora of fruits including stone fruits (passion fruit, dragon fruit, pears...) and berries (blackberries, blueberries. strawberries...). Grafting is a focus as well as the two kinds of cutting, safe and organic pest and disease control, chill hours, tools and pH. There are also charts on fruit susceptibility and chill hours. Of course climate is one of the biggest considerations of all. My zone in Canada is a pitiful 2a which means few fruits can be grown successfully, though blueberries, strawberries and apples usually do well. However, my zone at our Europe house is a 9b which makes the world of a difference and which is what drew me to this book. Though we grow vast numbers of fruits I wanted to learn more about others and found some in this book.
The author reminds us that EVERY gardener has failures. This is so very true. It can be easy to get discouraged but often it is down to climate and pests. We can always, always learn more. As a master gardener I learn constantly! And the more one learns the more you realize there is to learn. I like that the author encourages.
So, if you are in the least bit interested in growing fruit trees (it can be daunting!), turn to this useful book. At the very least allow it to inspire you to learn more about what you are already growing!
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley!
Learn how to plant, water, prune and harvest a plethora of fruits including stone fruits (passion fruit, dragon fruit, pears...) and berries (blackberries, blueberries. strawberries...). Grafting is a focus as well as the two kinds of cutting, safe and organic pest and disease control, chill hours, tools and pH. There are also charts on fruit susceptibility and chill hours. Of course climate is one of the biggest considerations of all. My zone in Canada is a pitiful 2a which means few fruits can be grown successfully, though blueberries, strawberries and apples usually do well. However, my zone at our Europe house is a 9b which makes the world of a difference and which is what drew me to this book. Though we grow vast numbers of fruits I wanted to learn more about others and found some in this book.
The author reminds us that EVERY gardener has failures. This is so very true. It can be easy to get discouraged but often it is down to climate and pests. We can always, always learn more. As a master gardener I learn constantly! And the more one learns the more you realize there is to learn. I like that the author encourages.
So, if you are in the least bit interested in growing fruit trees (it can be daunting!), turn to this useful book. At the very least allow it to inspire you to learn more about what you are already growing!
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and NetGalley!
May 23, 2023
"Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden" by Christy Wilhelmi is an informative guide that empowers readers to cultivate their own mini fruit garden, regardless of their available space. The book covers a wide range of fruits that are suitable for small gardens or containers, such as berries, citrus fruits, figs, and more. Wilhelmi starts by discussing the basics of fruit gardening, including soil preparation, choosing the right containers, and selecting appropriate fruit varieties for small spaces. She provides guidance on planting, watering, fertilizing, and dealing with pests and diseases in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
I really liked the author's emphasis on sustainable and organic gardening practices. Wilhelmi provides eco-friendly solutions for common challenges and encourages readers to work in harmony with nature. She offers advice on natural pest control methods, composting, and maximizing the use of resources to create a more environmentally friendly garden.
While the book primarily focuses on fruit gardening, it would have been even more comprehensive if it included additional information on overall garden planning, companion planting, or general gardening techniques. However, as a guide specifically dedicated to growing fruit in limited spaces, it fulfills its purpose admirably.
In summary, "Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden" by Christy Wilhelmi is a valuable resource for individuals interested in cultivating their own fruit in small gardens or containers. With its practical advice, clear instructions, and emphasis on sustainability, this book equips readers with the knowledge and confidence to successfully grow a variety of delicious fruits in limited spaces, bringing the joy of homegrown produce to any size garden.
I really liked the author's emphasis on sustainable and organic gardening practices. Wilhelmi provides eco-friendly solutions for common challenges and encourages readers to work in harmony with nature. She offers advice on natural pest control methods, composting, and maximizing the use of resources to create a more environmentally friendly garden.
While the book primarily focuses on fruit gardening, it would have been even more comprehensive if it included additional information on overall garden planning, companion planting, or general gardening techniques. However, as a guide specifically dedicated to growing fruit in limited spaces, it fulfills its purpose admirably.
In summary, "Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden" by Christy Wilhelmi is a valuable resource for individuals interested in cultivating their own fruit in small gardens or containers. With its practical advice, clear instructions, and emphasis on sustainability, this book equips readers with the knowledge and confidence to successfully grow a variety of delicious fruits in limited spaces, bringing the joy of homegrown produce to any size garden.
March 3, 2021
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden by Christy Wilhelmi is a great read if you are into gardening or learning about growing fruits. Ms. Wilhelmi takes you through basically everything you need to know from planning, to working with your soil, to pruning. One thing I truly admire about this book is that she takes you through growing organically and encourages you to do everything in your power to avoid chemical use. This is a quality I wish more authors and gardeners/farmers would adopt.
The book was written in a manner such that I was interested enough to read it cover to cover. I found I enjoyed poring over the pages to learn all I could about growing the different fruits. This would also be a great reference book to have on hand because she takes you through fruit diseases and how to treat them in an easily approachable manner. It would be a small thing to go back and find the disease of a certain plant and how to treat it.
Finally, a few words about pruning. Even as an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who has had training in the area, pruning still scares the dickens out of me; however, this book takes the fear and the unknown out of every part of controlling your plants through pruning.
Bottom line, this book is fun, informative, and it takes the guess work out of growing your own fruits. There is no doubt in my mind that you will learn something new by reading Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden. I would absolutely recommend this book to my friends and family.
The book was written in a manner such that I was interested enough to read it cover to cover. I found I enjoyed poring over the pages to learn all I could about growing the different fruits. This would also be a great reference book to have on hand because she takes you through fruit diseases and how to treat them in an easily approachable manner. It would be a small thing to go back and find the disease of a certain plant and how to treat it.
Finally, a few words about pruning. Even as an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who has had training in the area, pruning still scares the dickens out of me; however, this book takes the fear and the unknown out of every part of controlling your plants through pruning.
Bottom line, this book is fun, informative, and it takes the guess work out of growing your own fruits. There is no doubt in my mind that you will learn something new by reading Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden. I would absolutely recommend this book to my friends and family.
May 10, 2021
Overall, I have to say I am very impressed with this fruit gardening book. This book walks you through everything you need for creating your fruit garden, no matter if you have a small yard or a tiny patio that only allows for container gardening. Along with teaching you how to pick good fruit plants at the nursery and what a healthy plant looks like, it also teaches you about tools you will need, grafting, pest control, and so much more. It also has gorgeous photography, allowing you to see some of the techniques discussed and what to expect from healthy fruit plants. For me, the most valuable section has to be for identifying various pests and natural bug control, perfect for those of us who prefer more organic gardening. If you want a great beginner book for getting into fruit gardening, I highly recommend Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden: Planting and Tending Small Fruit Trees and Berries in Gardens and Containers.
February 18, 2021
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden: Planting and Tending Small Fruit Trees and Berries in Gardens and Containers by Christy Wilhelmi
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden
Release Date: April 6, 2021
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden by Christy Wilhelmi is an interesting resource for starting your own fruit garden.
The author provides information on how to choose the best fruit for your climate, how to care for your fruit garden, pruning tips, as well as suggestions for managing pests and disease in your plants.
Overall, I found this to be a good resource with good information and beautiful photos.
I'm so grateful to Christy Wilhelmi, Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press
Genre: Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden
Release Date: April 6, 2021
Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden by Christy Wilhelmi is an interesting resource for starting your own fruit garden.
The author provides information on how to choose the best fruit for your climate, how to care for your fruit garden, pruning tips, as well as suggestions for managing pests and disease in your plants.
Overall, I found this to be a good resource with good information and beautiful photos.
I'm so grateful to Christy Wilhelmi, Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2022
This is an excellent book in preparing, choosing, growing, tending and much more to having a fruit garden. In fact the only book one needs to grow fruit, especially a mini fruit garden.
There is so much easy to understand information, that having a fruit garden will become easy. From berries, climbers and trees there is something for everyone, if not everything for everyone.
Really great book
Two years ago we sold our farm, including 2 acres of orchards, mainly heritage apples and pears, with berries as an understorey. We now have a citrus garden in pots and espaliered trees,. This book is perfect for us in every way.
There is so much easy to understand information, that having a fruit garden will become easy. From berries, climbers and trees there is something for everyone, if not everything for everyone.
Really great book
Two years ago we sold our farm, including 2 acres of orchards, mainly heritage apples and pears, with berries as an understorey. We now have a citrus garden in pots and espaliered trees,. This book is perfect for us in every way.
April 22, 2021
I have been interested in growing some fruit trees for quite awhile, but have been leery because we live in a very hot climate. I was impressed with the quality of the writing and how in depth the book went into each topic. I am so excited that I can grow some fruit trees not only in containers, but also in the ground.
I already am awaiting the book to be shipped directly to my home, but I know that others will be thrilled with kindle version just as much.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
I already am awaiting the book to be shipped directly to my home, but I know that others will be thrilled with kindle version just as much.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
March 9, 2021
Nice and informative book. I was very excited to learn about strawberries and I can't wait to start planting them in my backyard. This book teaches you how to choose the right fruit based on where you live, managing pests and diseases and other tips. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
April 8, 2021
3 1/2 stars. This book was a little too advanced for me. I have one lemon tree and am hoping to plant a cherry tree this spring. A great read for those really looking to dive into the subject manner and create a mini-fruit oasis, but a little too much information for a beginner like me. Beautiful photography.
September 6, 2024
Excellent guide with a lot of information on how to do it. My only critique is that it does focus more on traditional fruits rather than tropical (there are a couple mentions) since I live in a subtropical zone and can grow most things that need a hard freeze, but I also get they couldn’t include everything.
March 11, 2021
Great read on fruit gardening with pictures and detailed how tos on grafting, pruning, and other vital aspects of gardening. There are many tips and tricks for the beginner. I especially enjoyed the chapter on pests and various susceptibilities of different fruits.
May 3, 2021
Super informative and useful guide that fills an obvious hole in recent gardening books - most focus on various vegetables, but barely touch on fruits (if at all). Fantastic information and ideas for growing trees and brambles in small spaces or even containers.
October 14, 2021
Super useful, specific tips for all manner of backyard fruit growing. Will keep nearby whenever I pot or prune!
March 20, 2023
Not really what I was looking for in a mini fruit garden book. I was hoping for more advice on container gardening rather than deep dives in pest control and grafting etc
April 12, 2025
well written, educational, accessible and helpful
September 26, 2025
Loved it
July 23, 2024
This book offers a lot of informative practices on how to properly care for Fruit Trees in small spaces and backyards.
March 5, 2021
This book is amazing. It is chuck full of really good information. There is something in here for everyone. Bonus: it touches upon permaculture principals. The Author comes across very clearly and I believe all of the information presented in this book can be learned easily. I will be purchasing this book for future reference for myself.
April 22, 2021
This is a beautiful book. colorful and expertly photographed. Great book to learn how to establish your very own mini fruit garden. I found it very helpful and informative. Easy to understand details on how to choose, plan out, plant, maintain, and harvest your own fruit. Fun - I can't wait to get started.
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